Harper College

INTERIOR DESIGN ASSISTANT

Program Overview

This 33 credit-hour certificate program is for students interested in an introductory position in the furnishing, retail, or design industries. The certificate prepares students for a position as an Interior Design Assistant or in a variety of areas in the Interior Design industry ranging from wholesale suppliers, retail stores, or sales.

This certificate does not meet the necessary requirements to allow graduates to sit for the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) exam. Students may continue their education by pursuing the Associate in Applied Science degree. Students considering this option are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator and/or an academic advisor prior to beginning the program and also when planning their schedule each semester.

F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course

Program Requirements

F = Fall only course, S = Spring only course, U = Summer only course

Required:

Number Course Title Credits
ARC 116 3

Description: Introduces computer hardware and state-of-the-art software as applied to applications in architecture, interior design and other related fields. Develops understanding of basic parameters for design and drafting technologies: entity creating and editing, printing and plotting, and file/data management. Projects are correlated primarily to architectural design issues.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ART 121 3

Description: Introduces students to skills fundamental to two-dimensional visual organization. Explores elements such as line, shape and color, and principles such as unity, balance and variation. Provides a foundation for all areas of art and design. IAI ART 907

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 100 2

Description: Introduces students to theoretical principles and nomenclature of design. Studies theories pertaining to elements and principles of design, color theory, psychology and color phenomenology as it relates to interior design. Studies human environment, proxemics and spatial behaviors. Examines universal design, designing for specific cultures and genders as well as other topical subjects. Covers the interior design profession, professional organizations and career employment.

Recommended Corequisite: IND 101.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 101 3

Description: Studies interior design room arrangement and furniture selection. Investigates the elements and principles of design as they relate to interiors. Studies aesthetic aspects of interior design. Develops interior projects using space planning, furniture selection, the development of furniture elevations, and presentation techniques. (NOTE: Students will need to purchase a drafting kit in addition to textbooks.)

Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in IND 100.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 102  S   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Continues the study of interior space planning and furniture selection as it relates to a functional and aesthetic interior. Investigates the use of fabric, finishes, color, and texture to complement the interior. Explores aesthetic application of color in interior design.

Prerequisite: IND 101, IND103, and IND 106 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 103  F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.
Presents a survey of furniture and interior design from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on European and American traditions, their history, and contemporary applications. Addresses the many types of furniture and architectural interiors as well as the historical and cultural factors that influenced their emergence. Investigates the role of manufacturing processes and innovations to deepen the students’ understanding of the furniture and interiors. Explores the history of the marketing and sale of furnishings as well as its relevance to contemporary commercial applications.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 106  F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Studies the construction and finishing of materials other than those of a structural nature, including limitations, quality control, application, uses, installation methods, and quantity calculations. Examines sources available to the designer.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 107  S   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Studies drawing and sketching methods of furniture and interior spaces. Develops drawing techniques for interior perspective views of buildings. Explores the use of axonometric drawing and the use of various medias to present the three-dimensional delineation of interior design. Examines balance and proportions of interior items within a three-dimensional space. Uses drawing techniques and color to define light and shadow, textures, material characteristics.

Prerequisite: ART 121, IND 100 and IND 101 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 110  S   2

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Introduces the process of visual communication for interior designers. Identifies interior and architectural challenges and examines the design process of problem-solving through space analysis and planning. Utilizes collaborative methods to develop appropriate design strategies and solutions. Applies research and the use of elements and principles of design to skillfully manipulate interior spaces. Utilizes conceptual sketching and oral presentation to communicate design solutions.

Prerequisite: IND 100 and IND 101 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 114  S   2

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Examines how interior building codes, governmental standards and federal regulations affect and are applied to interior design. References the International Codes, National Fire Protection Association standards and various accessibility requirements including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Prerequisite: IND 101 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 116  S   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Studies the methods and materials of interior construction and the graphic methods of communicating this information. Practices fundamental drafting conventions and develops drawing skills necessary for the production of working drawings such as floor plans, elevations, sections, finish schedules, reflected ceiling plans, and details. Discusses methods of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC distribution.

Prerequisite: ARC 116, IND 100 and IND 101 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Electives: Choose one of the following 3-credit hour courses:

Number Course Title Credits
IND 220  S   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the spring term.

Covers advanced CAD techniques for two-dimensional space planning and interior elevations. Introduces 3-dimensional CAD and 3-D sketching to develop perspectives and walk-throughs of interior spaces. Emphasizes development of computer graphics to augment and represent interior spaces.

Prerequisite: ARC 116 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

IND 230  F   3

DescriptionThis course is only offered in the fall term.

Examines the technical aspects and accessibility issues of designing kitchens. Practices fundamental drafting conventions including lettering, line work, dimensioning and symbol usage. Develops drawing for the kitchen including floor plans, electrical and lighting plans, elevations, and cabinet sections using NKBA guidelines and graphic presentation standards.

Prerequisite: IND 102, IND 114 and IND 116 with grades of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MKT 140 3

Description: Focuses upon the principal factors of successful selling of goods or ideas. Examines buying motives, sales psychology, customer approach and sales techniques.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Last Updated: 3/15/24